Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my child’s ACES schedule?
There are two different ways that you can submit a contract change. Contract changes must be submitted in writing per the “Contract Change Form” or through your online ACES account. Contract changes require a two week notice that begins from the date we receive the request. There is no charge for the first change; subsequent changes will be assessed a $15 processing fee.

Can my child attend on a day not regularly scheduled?
Children enrolled in the ACES program can attend on a non scheduled day as long as there is space available. These days will be considered drop in care and charged at the drop in rate.

Is ACES in session on non-school days?ACES is open on many days when school is not in session. For a full list of non school days, check the ACES calendar tab. Children currently enrolled in the ACES program have the option to register for the non school day activities. If a field trip is planned, all children must attend the field trip. Care will not be provided onsite during field trip events. Parents can register their children for half or full day care. Registration forms will be available approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to each non school day. To receive a full refund, parents must cancel their registration no later than the posted deadline; registration deadlines are final.

How does the ACES program bill families?ACES bills on a monthly basis and fees are always paid in advance. Invoices are generated and emailed by the 20th of the month prior; payments are due by the 1st of every month. Late accounts will be charged a $15.00 late fee.

How do I get copies of previous monthly invoices/receipts for my Flex Reimbursement Plan?Copies of all invoices and receipts are available to download through your online account. Paper copies may be requested and picked up from the ACES billing office at the Lincoln Community Center. A year-end statement will be emailed to families in January for tax purposes.

Do I need to notify the ACES program if my child will not be attending?Yes, ACES sites do require notice when a child is not attending. If your child will not be attending because of a scheduled appointment, vacation, or other planned absence, contact the ACES billing office in advance. If your child is ill, text or call and leave a message on the ACES site cell phone. If a child does not arrive at ACES as intended, the site supervisor will:
1. Contact the parents at home and/or at work.
2. Contact the school to see if the child was in attendance.
3. Call the authorities if no one knows the whereabouts of the child.
Due to the amount of time involved in trying to find children when staff have not been notified of their absence, a $15.00 Finder’s Fee will be assessed.

What if I am unable to pick up my child by 6:00pm?If an emergency delays you and you are unable to pick up your child on time, arrange for an authorized pickup person to get your child and call the program staff immediately.
In the event that your child is still at the program after closing time and we have not heard from you, ACES staff will take the following steps:
1. Attempt to reach you at home, work or on your cell.
2. Call the people listed as authorized pick ups.
3. If you are more than 30 minutes late, the police will be contacted for assistance.
A late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged to your account. Continued late pickups may result in removal from the program.

What happens in the event of Severe Weather/School Closings?During Non School Days & the Summer Session:The Community Education & Recreation Director is the defining authority in the event of severe weather/school closings. During offsite field trips, travel decisions will be made at the discretion of the ACES Program Coordinator and the bus company/drivers. Staff will contact parents regarding closings due to inclement weather. Postings will also be made on the Community Education & Recreation website, hotline, and the ACES Facebook page. During the School Year Session:
If Mankato Area Public Schools…

delay the school day start time morning ACES will be closed

dismiss early afternoon ACES will be closed

close for the entire day ACES will be closed completely

Refunds will be issued within 10 business days in the form of an account credit to those who attended on these days.

How old does my child have to be to attend the ACES program?
During the school year session children who are attending grades K-5 may register for the ACES program. During the summer session, children who are entering Kindergarten may register for Little ACES. Children 1st-5th grade may register for the ACES program. Children entering 5th-7th grade may register for the Connections program (children entering 5th may choose between ACES & Connections).

When does my child need to wear an ACES t-shirt?During the school year session—if your child is registered for a non school day field trip, the program will provide your child with an ACES t-shirt to wear during the offsite field trip. During the summer session—Children are required to wear field trip t-shirts on days they will be offsite. Sites take up to 3 field trips per week. Parents may purchase t-shirts at the time of registration for $7.00 per shirt. The ACES program puts in a mass t-shirt order one month prior to the summer session. Rental t-shirts will be given to children who do not wear a field trip t-shirt on field trip days; a $5.00 rental fee will be assessed to your account at the end of each week.

Am I able to switch around my regular scheduled days?
No. If your child does not need to attend on a scheduled day and you know more than 5 business days in advance, you may request a vacation day. Vacation days must be submitted in writing per our vacation request form located on the Mankato Community Ed website. If your child needs to attend on a non scheduled day, they may do so as long as there is space available; the day will be charged at the drop in rate.

About

Mankato Community Education supports the educational, social and recreational needs of the community by serving children ages birth to five, youth and adults throughout the Mankato Area Public Schools communities. Assuring learning excellence and readiness for a changing world by providing programming to reach all, teach all, and include all.